Holiday Cottage Owner won't Cancel booking in June.

angelaphythian

Holiday Cottage Owner is insisting we are cancelling, not him.  We've booked a Holiday Cottage direct with the Owner for the 6th June 2010 and paid a £450 deposit.  He e-mailed on 24th March... "As it stands today (some have asked) we sincerely regret that we are simply not in a position to be able to refund your deposit if you are forced to cancel.".  We appealed, his response... "We are sorry that you are not able to travel for your holiday in June, however I am afraid our booking conditions - which in paying the deposit you you agreed to - are crystal clear and the deposit you paid is non-refundable. ".   The T&Cs don't mention what happens if THEY cancel https://www.eiderduckholyisland.co.uk/booking-info/  They offered to re-book next year, but we don't know our rota for next year.  Plus the prices are to increase.

Please, any advice would be gratefully received.

Life__Goes__On

If it is closed to guests  then you should be able to get a refund as they can't fulfill the contact.
If the haven't got the money to refund you they should be clear,  instead of trying to trick you into cancelling.

MoneySavingNovice

They are playing hardball with you. One option would be to play hardball back and respond and confirm that you are not cancelling and ask them to confirm the details.  If they respond that they are unable to grant access to the property they are the ones cancelling!

I would also separately investigate contacting both your credit card or bank to see if you can arrange either a chargeback or if they are not playing ball with that one a section 75 claim assuming you paid by credit card.

Finally, investigate your insurance

Good luck!

[Deleted User]

Yup agree with the last poster. Make them believe you are planning on turning up so they're forced to say you can't. 

angelaphythian

We paid by Bank Transfer, it's a privately owned cottage advertised on line.  I called the Citizens Advice, they said they should have provided me with the T&Cs, not just quote that they are available on-line.  They also failed to provide information such as their address in the agreement etc.  They said I can argue 'Frustration' as neither party can fulfill the requirements of the contract due to the Corona Virus Laws.  I would be entitled to my deposit back, minus any justifiable costs I had caused him.

He's a Director of a few Travel PR companies in London, and I'm just a housewife.  He has access to resources I don't, but I believe in fairness.  I respect how hard it is for people in that industry, but to come hard at me in March this year and say he's keeping our hard-earned £400 or so, deposit, is unreasonable. I appreciate the advice so far. Thanks guys.

Life__Goes__On

As it's by bank transfer your options are limited.
If it is closed on the 6th June ( and looks like it will legally have to be)  then you could make a claim to the small claims court.
It will cost you £35 to do this on-line, (refunded if you win)  and if you chose to go down this route I'm sure you will get support on here on how to precede with it.